Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning’s fatal crash on Highway 97 north of Klamath Falls. 

On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at approximately 7:40am, OSP Troopers and First Responders were dispatched to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 266.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a gold Buick Century operated by Timothy KENYON, age 27, from Klamath Falls, was attempting to turn onto Highway 97 from Algoma Road.  However, for unknown reasons, KENYON turned directly in front of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), which was traveling northbound on Highway 97.  The CMV, operated by Robert GRIFFITH, age 32, from Central Point, was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the Buick.

KENYON was ejected from the Buick and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Buick, Cassandra DAVIS, age 28, from Klamath Falls, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  GRIFFITH was not injured.

Highway 97 was closed for about seven (7) hours with a detour put in place by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District and ODOT.

Photograph courtesy of OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

On April 19, 2018, the Oregon State Police (OSP), with assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services executed a criminal search warrant at the business of Oregon Oils, Inc. located at 2515 NW 28th Ave, Portland, Oregon. The joint OSP and EPA investigation began in early February of 2018 after investigators learned about possible violations of the State and Federal laws pertaining to wastewater treatment and discharges. The City of Portland administers an industrial wastewater discharge permit for the facility and is assisting with the effort.

This case remains under investigation by the OSP and the EPA. Inquiries about the investigation can be directed to the Oregon State Police’s Captain Tim Fox, at (541) 419-8843.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality work in partnership to investigate and enforce Oregon’s Environmental laws. You can report pollution complaints to the DEQ Hotline at 1-888-997-7888 or to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.

On April 17, 2018, a Jackson County Grand Jury indicted eighteen year old Daniel Michael Cooley on one count of Rape in the first degree, one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the first degree and one count of Sexual Abuse in the first degree. The charges are related to a several month long investigation by the Oregon State Police in multiple counties.  The current charges involve a juvenile female who was reportedly under 11 years old at the time some of the offences occurred.

Cooley was arrested on March 14, 2018, in Josephine County where he remains lodged on a $100,000 bail. On March 20, 2018, a Josephine County Grand Jury indicted Cooley on two counts of Sexual Abuse in the first degree and one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the second degree. 

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming in separate counties. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Oregon State Police Detective Bryan Scott at (541) 618-7957.     

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning’s fatal crash on Highway 97 north of Klamath Falls. 

On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at approximately 7:40am, OSP Troopers and First Responders were dispatched to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 266.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a gold Buick Century was attempting to turn onto Highway 97 from Algoma Road. However, for unknown reasons, the driver turned directly in front of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), which was traveling northbound on Highway 97.  The CMV was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the Buick.

The driver of the Buick was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Buick was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  The driver of the CMV was not injured.

Names of those involved are being withheld pending next of kin notification. 

Highway 97 is still currently closed with a detour put in place by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  Motorists should check www.tripcheck.com for traffic updates.  OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District and ODOT.

Photograph courtesy of OSP

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

State Department to host town hall on modernizing the Columbia River Treaty Regime

The U.S. Department of State announced on April 10 that it would host a town hall April 25 on upcoming negotiations between the United States and Canada to modernize the Columbia River Treaty Regime. The Town Hall, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington. For more information or to submit questions in advance, please email iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov. Press inquiries should be directed to ess@state.gov">WHAPress@state.gov.

The full news release from the State Department follows:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
For Immediate Release
MEDIA NOTE
April 10, 2018

Town Hall on Modernizing the Columbia River Treaty Regime

U.S. Columbia River Treaty Negotiator Jill Smail will lead a Town Hall on April 25, 2018, as the United States and Canada prepare to begin negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime.  The Town Hall, which is free of charge and open to the public, will take place at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  At this event, U.S. government representatives will provide a general review of the upcoming process and plans for engaging the region.  They will also take questions from the public; feel free to send questions in advance to iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov.  A call-in number will be available upon request for those unable to attend in person.

The United States recognizes the valuable and dedicated efforts of the tribes, state and local government representatives, stakeholders, and members of the public in contributing to the U.S. Entity Regional Recommendation for the Future of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024.  Consistent with the Regional Recommendation, key United States objectives include continued, careful management of flood risk; ensuring a reliable and economical power supply; and better addressing the ecosystem in a modernized treaty regime. 

For further information, please email iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov.  For press inquiries, please email ess@state.gov">WHAPress@state.gov.

Update on Ages

David Rausch's age is corrected to 33 and Kevin Faber's age should read 55 years old.

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On Sunday, April 15, 2018, at about 5:45pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 20E near milepost 3.5 in Deschutes County.

Preliminary investigation revealed a blue Dodge 2500 pickup, being driven by David RAUSCH, age 23, of Bend, was traveling westbound on Highway 20E approaching Hamby Road.  A maroon Mercury Mystique, driven by Kevin FABER, age 44, of John Day, was southbound on Hamby Road at the stop sign for Highway 20E. Faber suddenly pulled out in front of the Dodge pickup and was Faber’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side door.  FABER suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Faber’s passenger, Dalena Norton (age 43 from John Day) suffered from non-life threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Neither Rausch nor his passenger, Clayton Coe (age 56 from Bend) sustained any injuries.

Highway 20E was closed for approximately one hour following the crash and then opened to one lane for an additional hour and a half.  Bend Police Department, Bend Fire, ODOT, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Deschutes County Medical Examiner’s Office assisted OSP.

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On April 15, 2018 at approximately 3:00 a.m., Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a house fire in Northeast Salem. After preliminary investigation, the fire has been ruled an arson.

Detectives and emergency personnel responded to 3552 Ward Drive NE in Salem for a report of a house fire at the location. It was soon learned there were actually two separate fires. Fires were found at the residence and the barn at the location. The fire at the residence was contained to a single bedroom and the barn was fully engulfed and was a complete loss. There were no reported injuries.

The investigation determined the fire was suspicious and deemed it an arson investigation. The residence has been known to be occupied by transients and it is unknown who was the last to occupy both locations.

The Oregon State Police is seeking the public assistance regarding this case.  Anyone who has known people to frequent this location is asked to call the Oregon State Police at (800)  452-7888 and refer to case number SP18-135992. Detective Scott Yunker is the lead detective on this case.

The Oregon State Police was assisted by Oregon State Fire Marshall Office, Keizer Fire Department, Marion County Fire District One, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

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On Friday April 13, 2018, at about 2:42 p.m., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle fatal crash on Highway 260 near milepost 13. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a black Chevrolet C15 pickup, operated by Luther Masumoto, age 70, of Grants Pass, was traveling northbound on Highway 260 when he attempted to pass a dump truck traveling in the same direction.  The driver side tires entered the ditch and the driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed both lanes of traffic and entered the northbound embankment and struck a tree. Masumoto suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Highway 260 was reduced to one lane for approximately two hours following the crash. OSP was assisted by Josephine County Sheriff’s Department, Josephine County Rural Metro Fire and ODOT. Speed is being considered as a contributing factor of the crash.